BY SAM ALFAN.
A Nairobi magistrate has declined to stop planned demolitions of a premises where Simmers Club once stood after its owner rushed to court.
Pimp My Ride East Africa rushed to court yesterday arguing that a notice given to him by the County Government of Nairobi was expiring on July 9.
The owner, Peter Nderitu said he was apprehensive that the county government might descend on the premises and demolish what has been erected on the controversial plot, yet he had obtained all the approvals, including building permits from the county government.
The court, however, certified the matter as urgent and directed Mr Nderitu to serve the County Government ahead of the hearing on July 12.
Mr Nderitu said he has been occupying the premises on the strength of a lease between him and the landlord and all was well until July 2, when he received a seven-day notice stating that the construction was illegal.
He sought orders, restraining the county government from demolishing the property and the OCS central police station to ensure compliance with the said order. While urging the court to order parties to maintain the status quo, Mr Nderitu said he was apprehensive that the impending demolitions would be carried out on the basis of personal vendetta.
“That unless the court urgently intervenes, the applicants are apprehensive that their investment and hard work will end up being ruined thereby occasioning them irreparable loss and damages,” Mr Nderitu said in an affidavit.